Trauma Basics

One understanding is that trauma is defined only as an event that results in perceived fear of bodily injury, sexual assault, or loss of life (American Psychiatric Association, [DSM-5], 2013). This definition is too narrow and is unjustly inconsiderate of the many situations and circumstances that produce deep and uncontrollable sensations of doom, loss, uncertainty, and utter powerlessness (e.g., death of a parent, spouse, or child, homelessness, divorce, humiliation, subjugation, parental neglect, and more). 

The DSM-5 also does not recognize Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder as an 'official' diagnosis. This lack of inclusion leaves those who survive consecutive and gravely disruptive events operating in constant survival states without proper help, resulting in dysfunction and dis-ease on individual, collective, societal, and global levels.

Thanks to our many experts and contributors in today's trauma-informed culture (Van der Holk, Mate', Braden, Lipton, Dispenza, to name just a few), we know that trauma refers to psychological, emotional and biological (including neurological and chemical) changes that occur in response to any event that overwhelms an individual's ability to cope mentally, emotionally, and physically. 

"Trauma" refers to events but also to the changes that occur within the mind, emotions, brain, and body of the person experiencing the event. Many of these changes present difficulties with daily living, are persistent and debilitating, decrease quality of life, and cannot be treated only with medication.

- MV

See the next tab for more about the long-term effects of trauma.

Any event that overwhelms an individual's ability to cope is trauma. The changes that occur on psychological (including emotional), neurological and chemical levels affecting perception, thought, emotion, and behavior are also known as trauma. Adopting this two-fold meaning of trauma ensures a broader understanding when considering the long-term effects of trauma. 

We can think of trauma as stress. The definitions of stress are innumerable. For this discussion, we will call stress any event or reality that overloads the nervous system.  We can think of the changes that occur to the brain, body, mind, and emotions at the time of the event as imprints - schematics that predict future maladaptive responses in perception, mental attitudes and moods, and behaviors. The distortions in perception, thought, and emotion lead to irrational, unhealthy, and even compulsive behaviors that are self-sabotaging.

Some common manifestations of maladaptive trauma (stress) responses include the inability to identify and manage emotions, trouble focusing, addiction, and many physical ailments.  One manifestation that is typical is the pervasive difficulties with interpersonal relationships, especially the aspects concerning self-image, the ability to trust and trust the right people, communication, boundaries, and conflict resolution. 

In plain terms, what formed at the time of the traumatic event, which was intended to protect and ensure the survival and sanity of the individual, over time, is now disrupting the person's ability to function in times of stress, therefore, destroying the quality of life.

These manifestations are evidence of maladaptations to stress. The sensitivities to stress and the maladaptive responses to stress are the long-term effects of trauma.

Some of the most effective pathways to recovery today do not dissect past events, which cause re-traumatization and exacerbate lower stress tolerances but are present and future-oriented, such as coaching individuals toward the formation and application of more effective and efficient strategies that produce healthier responses and adaptations to stress. 

- MV

See the next tab to learn about Trauma Recovery

The basic definition of recovery means to recapture a normal state. You are not abnormal; your responses to stress are maladaptive, meaning they do not do a good job of helping you deal with stress without making things worse in some way.  Most importantly, neurons that are fired and wired together during a traumatic event cannot be unwired, so this definition does not lend much to the understanding of trauma recovery.

  It may not even fit to say you are recovering from trauma,

but recovering with trauma,

since the effects are not eradicated, but subdued.

A multitude of resources for trauma recovery exist. From traditional psychiatry and therapy models to alternative and holistic methods. In your search for what may work for you, it is important to hold on to these 3 truths: 

1. You are not broken or damaged. 
2. You do not need to be fixed.
3. The long-term effects of trauma are not are 'cured'. 

The results of someone recovering with trauma cannot be accurately measured using time.

Much like the manifestations that are evident when maladaptations to stress run rampant, the results of recovery are also seen in manifestations.  These new manifestations include the ability to effectively and efficiently manage emotional states, increased focus and physical energy, improved communication and conflict resolution styles, satisfying interpersonal relationships, and increasingly positive view of self, others, and of the world.